Another thread about the "War on Christmas"

[JunieJay]

I've been walking around town with this sweatshirt the past couple of weeks:

And I've gotten more compliments on it. And this is in Washington, D.C., where everyone is a liberal. I think this whole debate is the simply the most ridiculous one I've ever heard. WTH cares what you say, if its Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas or Bah Humbug for that matter? Geesh! There are men and women dying overseas in droves, why on earth should anyone care about wishing people good will?

 

[Galahad]

Having just got back from WDW (and SW, UO, IOA, and BGT) I had the opportunity to take notice of Happy Holidays vs. Merry Christmas.

Sorry folks, there is no war on Chrsitmas, at least when it comes to Florida theme parks and the restraurants in the area. I didn't see or hear "Happy Holidays" even once. Christmas on the other hand was everywhere.

In fact the most rude thing I now seen on the subject was the number of t-shirts I've now seen people wearing going about "the reason for the season" as so on.

I've always noticed that Disney wasn't PC about Christmas. Heck, they have the Candlelight processionals with decidedly non-secular music.

But I'm not sure I see how a T-shirt about the "reason for the season" is rude - unless there was more to it than that.

 

[kerrynic78]

Thank you JunieJay, my thoughts exactly.

 

[cardaway]

Geesh! There are men and women dying overseas in droves, why on earth should anyone care about wishing people good will?

Pretty much everything is trivial compared to the lives being thrown away in that worthless war, so I guess this means everybody should limit themselves to posting on that subject, right?

 

[Disneyland1084]

 

[Mrs.Toad]

I think "offended" is such a loaded term. I honestly cannot remember more than a couple of DISers saying they were offended by "Merry Christmas", although many more (myself included) wondered about making the assumption that a stranger celebrates Christmas. A preference for "Happy Holidays" does not equal "Merry Christmas is offensive". Likewise, "Happy Holidays" isn't meant to be offensive, either.

I'm a Christian, but I imagine it gets old for non-Christians to keep hearing about Christmas constantly. Not one has told me they were "offended" by it, but the thought makes me want to be more inclusive by using the term "happy holidays" or "season's greetings" for my holiday cards or other well wishes for people whose religion I am unaware of, or groups of people of varying beliefs.

ETA: I still say Merry Christmas to friends and family whom I know celebrate it.

 

[Cantw8]

you eat alot of popcorn

 

[cardaway]

But I'm not sure I see how a T-shirt about the "reason for the season" is rude - unless there was more to it than that.

A shirt saying it's time to take the Christ out of Christmas would be rude. Yes or No?

It's rude IMO for either side on this issue to put things on a shirt to get it in peoples faces.

 

[JunieJay]

Pretty much everything is trivial compared to the lives being thrown away in that worthless war, so I guess this means everybody should limit themselves to posting on that subject, right?

Oh, I wasn't saying you should not post on the subject. I just can't see why people are so worked up over it. Just seems trivial to me. I guess it doesn't bother me if people say Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukah or what have you -- as long as the intent is to wish me well, I'm o.k. with it. I just find it hard to believe other people don't feel the same way, but hey, it takes all kinds to make the world go round. Sorry you thought I was saying you shouldn't post about it, that wasn't what I meant at all.

 

[simpilotswife]

I received this email the other day and it seems to be very appropriate for the topic at hand.


A Letter from Jesus


Dear Children,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although, I do appreciate being remembered anytime.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth just, GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home.. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the
story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember I LOVE YOU,
JESUS

 

[cardaway]

I just can't see why people are so worked up over it. Just seems trivial to me. I guess it doesn't bother me if people say Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukah or what have you -- as long as the intent is to wish me well, I'm o.k. with it. I just find it hard to believe other people don't feel the same way, but hey, it takes all kinds to make the world go round.

Yet you bought and wear that shirt.

 

[Disneyland1084]

you eat alot of popcorn

I know.

 

[JunieJay]

Yet you bought and wear that shirt.

Uhhh, not sure what you are getting at. To me, my shirt says exactly what I just said to you. Just say Merry Christmas! Its not a big deal, nor should it be offensive. No more offensive than Happy Hanukah or Happy Holidays. Its not like you are walking around telling someone to get bent or something along those lines. You are just wishing someone well. Again, if the intent is there, why should the words matter? BTW, I also think its ridiculous that someone would be offended by Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. Either way you look at it, its a tad bit extreme given there are much bigger issues in this country to worry about.

 

[poohandwendy]

A shirt saying it's time to take the Christ out of Christmas would be rude. Yes or No?

It's rude IMO for either side on this issue to put things on a shirt to get it in peoples faces.

What exactly do the shirts say?

I ask because when I see a shirt that says "Jesus is the reason for the season" I take that as a point being made by Christians to Christians. Meaning, let's not get so caught up in the materialistic aspects and stressful family junk, let's remember that Jesus is the reason for the season.

And the reason I see it this way? Because the very first time I ever hear that phrase, and where I have heard it the most, is in church when talking about slowing down and remembering the spiritual aspect of this holiday.

I am not saying that some people aren't making a political statement meant as an attack on non-Christians. I am sure some are. Just pointing out that some people, myself included, actually use that phrase in a different way and not meant to attack anyone at all. No more than saying "Stop and smell the roses"

(ETA: As a matter of fact, I used that phrase today...with my sister and mother (both Christians) when we were having an argument about who was bring what to Christmas dinner)

 

[cardaway]

I am not saying that some people aren't making a political statement meant as an attack on non-Christians. I am sure some are.

The ones I saw went much further and were clearly responding to the "war on Christmas" issue.

 

[poohandwendy]

The ones I saw went much further and were clearly responding to the "war on Christmas" issue.

Ok, I understand. Thanks for the clarification. I agree that 'in your face' t-shirts are ignorant. No matter what group the are trying to piss off.

 

[cardaway]

Ok, I understand. Thanks for the clarification. I agree that 'in your face' t-shirts are ignorant. No matter what group the are trying to piss off.

And I understand the meaning you were posting about, but the truth is, nobody makes shirts for that reason. The shirts being designed, and sold for a profit I might add, are clearly produced so the people who want to make a statement can do so.

Pretty questionable practice all around IMO. WWJD indeed.

 

[poohandwendy]

And I understand the meaning you were posting about, but the truth is, nobody makes shirts for that reason. The shirts being designed (and sold for a profit I might add) are clearly produced so the people who want to make a statement can do so.

Pretty questionable practice all around IMO. WWJD indeed.

Actually, until the recent hoopla about this, I would have worn a T-shirt like this, because my meaning would be what I stated above and I would be making a statement about materialism. Now, after all of the media sensationalism regarding this, I would think twice.

This phrase, IMHO, started YEARS ago with a whole other intent. It has turned into something ugly recently.

 

[Charade]

So what is the point of this thread? If you don't think there is (or isn't) an attempt to water down Christmas into some secular holiday so that it's celebration won't offend anyone, why post a thread like this? Is it because the people who don't believe there is such an attempt and feel that others that believe differently just want to antagonize them and

 

[Captain Brain]

What is it about deliberately provoking a reaction from someone do you find honorable or humorous? Unless you're a 16 year old kid deliberately trying to annoy adults-which is a 16 year old kid's job-it's no more mature than those who overreact to it.

So now that's our job? Hmm...I guess I forgot about that.
_________________________

I say Merry Christmas, nobody celebrates anyother holiday here. We only have 500 people, we can say that.